A consensus forms on church, but now a twist

Sunday

Jun 28, 2009 at 12:01 AMSep 10, 2014 at 12:10 PM

After nearly a year of controversy, it appears a consensus is forming over the long-term fate of the old Colonial Heights Baptist Church property.Two separate groups studying the issue have reached the same conclusion: Renovate the former church into a

After nearly a year of controversy, it appears a consensus is forming over the long-term fate of the old Colonial Heights Baptist Church property.

Two separate groups studying the issue have reached the same conclusion: Renovate the former church into a courthouse complex. What is surprising about that finding is that one of the groups' task was to study the site for a new development assuming the old church was demolished as originally planned by city officials.

Instead, the redevelopment committee has concluded that a courthouse complex is the best use of the site. That is the same conclusion arrived at by a second group - the reuse committee - whose task was to study the best way to renovate the church for a new purpose.

The consensus represents a major victory for those citizens who did not want to accept City Council's June 2008 decision to demolish the historic church building and sell the property for commercial redevelopment.

But a new wrinkle has been added to the property - Virginia State University wants to lease the church property for up to 18 months while its business school undergoes renovation.

City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing Tuesday night on the VSU proposal; next month City Council will also officially receive reports from both committees next month.

Both committees have concluded that a courthouse complex is the best solution for the church property. Having a courthouse complex at the church site solves two problems, both groups say.

The existing courthouse on Temple Avenue is too small. The city and judges have tried without success to resolve the issues surrounding the existing courthouse.

The plan being pushed by both committees would close and demolish existing courthouse. The property on Temple Avenue - which has attracted the interest of developers due to its location - would then be sold for redevelopment.

The church buildings on Chesterfield Avenue would then be transformed into a new courthouse complex, surrounded by strips of parks and green, restaurants and small businesses. It would cost an estimated $12.4 million to transform the church into a new courthouse,

But the reuse committee estimates it would cost roughly $15 million to renovate and expand the existing courthouse on Temple Avenue. The group projects the sale of the current courthouse site and tax revenue from the new businesses would pay for the new courthouse in 20 years.

Council members have already been under intense public pressure over the old church. After announcing its decision to demolish the church and redevelop the site, the City Council had to quickly backpedal on the issue. City Council formed the two committees to study the issue and shelved plans to demolish the church.

Will the VSU proposal sidetrack the courthouse reuse project? Or will it give the city income while it develops plans for the courthouse?

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